Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Victoria Galbraith | 191214-N-AD499-1056 BREMERTON, Wash. (Dec. 14, 2019) Naval Base Kitsap Honor Guard...... read more read more
Northwest Commands Honor America’s Veterans During 28th Annual Wreaths Across America
Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Victoria Foley
BREMERTON, Wash. – Service members and community members laid a little more than 500 wreaths on the gravestones of veterans in recognition of the 28th annual Wreaths Across America Day at Ivy Green Cemetery in Bremerton, Washington, Dec. 14.
Each December 14, Wreaths Across America’s mission is to remember, honor and teach by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as more than 1,600 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.
“America has always been the first nation to stand up for the freedom of the people around the world; you have answered that call and served your country well,” said Master of Ceremonies and Retired Senior Chief Petty Officer Mick Hersey. “We are here today to say thank you and we are honored to know you.”
A veterans’ wreath is a symbol of honor, respect, and victory. Each of the 10 balsam bouquets that comprises a veteran’s wreath, symbolizes 10 special qualities. Their belief in a greater good, love for each other, strength, honesty, humility, ambitions, optimism for America, concern for the future, pride in their duties, and hopes and dreams that didn’t always come true but left them with no regrets.
“All veterans deserve our gratitude no matter their length of service or the period which they served. And today, we give special remembrance to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to their country,” said Capt. Dianna Wolfson, commanding officer, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility. “To those of you who may have lost a loved one during their service, you have our profound thanks for their sacrifice and for your sacrifice on behalf of a grateful nation.”
During the ceremony, a service member from each branch of the U.S. armed forces carried a wreath, decorated with a red bow, to the cemetery's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier monument, and rendered a salute. Afterward, wreaths were placed at the headstones of veterans buried across the cemetery.
“Today, as we join tens of thousands of people who are honoring these heroes, I encourage you to remember our fallen U.S. veterans, to honor those who serve, and to teach your children the value of freedom,” said Wolfson. “Because right here, we are surrounded by reminders of that freedom’s price.”
Ivy Green Cemetery has a large military section, honoring fallen men and women of all services. Of the 4,000 gravesites in Ivy Green Cemetery, more than 550 are veterans. This year marks the 8th year that Ivy Green Cemetery has participated in Wreaths Across America.
| Date Taken: | 12.14.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 12.14.2019 21:56 |
| Story ID: | 355725 |
| Location: | BREMERTON, WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 144 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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